Navigating Korean Safety Measures: A Guide for Expats

Living in Korea offers countless opportunities for discovery and adventure, but safety should always be a priority. Recent incidents, such as the Itaewon tragedy and the Jeju Air crash, have raised important questions about public safety. As someone navigating life in Korea, understanding Korea’s safety measures and how to navigate emergencies can help you stay prepared and informed. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Korean safety measures and tips for expats.

1. Current Safety Landscape in Korea

Korea is generally a safe country with a low crime rate and a well-developed infrastructure. However, like any densely populated and rapidly modernized nation, challenges remain in certain areas:

Crowded Areas: Events such as the Itaewon tragedy highlight gaps in managing large, unregulated gatherings.
Transportation: Korea’s efficient public transit system is generally safe, but accidents can happen, especially during severe weather or in older facilities.
Emergency Preparedness: While the government is improving disaster response systems, awareness among expats about emergency protocols can still be limited.

2. Emergency Numbers and Services

Unlike 911 in the U.S., Korea has two main emergency hotlines for specific types of emergencies:

119: This number is for fire, medical emergencies, and rescue services. Call 119 if you need an ambulance, firefighting services, or help during a natural disaster.
112: This is the police hotline for reporting crimes, suspicious activities, or urgent law enforcement needs.

Both hotlines are equipped to assist non-Korean speakers through real-time interpretation services in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese. If you face a language barrier:

Clearly say “English, please” or the name of your preferred language.
The operator will connect you with a translator to facilitate communication.

A notable example occurred in October 2024 when a Swedish hiker lost her way and injured herself in Seoraksan National Park. She contacted her boyfriend in Sweden because she didn’t know Korean emergency contact numbers. Her boyfriend noticed her distress through a shared location app and contacted Swedish authorities, who then alerted Korean emergency services. With precise location data, the Korean rescue team swiftly located and safely escorted her back. Such rescues underscore the importance of technology and international cooperation in emergencies. To ensure a successful rescue:

Share your exact location via KakaoMap or Naver Map.
Describe your last known landmarks or trail markers.
Stay where you are unless instructed otherwise.

For additional support, download the Emergency Ready App, which provides multilingual alerts and evacuation guides.

3. Government Emergency Text Alerts

The Korean government frequently sends emergency text messages during disasters, like typhoons, earthquakes, or public health crises. These messages are automatically sent to phones with Korean SIM cards. If you don’t have a Korean phone number:

Stay informed through local news: English-language outlets like Arirang News, The Korea Herald, and Yonhap News often report on emergencies.
Use translation apps: Ask a local or use apps to translate Korean messages you may receive through friends or public Wi-Fi.
Join expat communities: Social media groups can be invaluable for updates and translations during emergencies.

4. Staying Safe in Crowded Areas

Crowded events, like festivals or celebrations, can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. Here’s how to stay safe:

Plan Your Exit: Identify exits and open spaces upon arrival.
Avoid Overcrowded Spots: If you feel the crowd density increasing, move to less congested areas.
Learn Survival Techniques: Familiarize yourself with tips to stay safe in crowd surges, such as staying upright and protecting your chest.

5. Navigating Natural Disasters

While Korea isn’t prone to frequent natural disasters, typhoons and occasional earthquakes occur. Be prepared:

Emergency Kit: Keep a kit with essentials like water, a flashlight, and a power bank.
Shelter Locations: Use the Emergency Ready App to find nearby shelters.
Stay Alert: Monitor weather updates from the Korean Meteorological Administration.

6. Tips for Effective Communication During Emergencies

If you’re struggling with the language barrier during an emergency:

Memorize Key Phrases:
- Help me! – “도와주세요! (Do-wa-ju-se-yo)”
- Fire! – “불이야! (Bul-i-ya)”
- I need an ambulance. – “구급차가 필요해요. (Gu-geup-cha-ga pil-yo-hae-yo)”
Share Your Location: Use apps like KakaoMap to share your exact address with responders.
Ask Locals for Help: Koreans are generally willing to assist in emergencies.

7. Is the Government Doing Enough?

While there have been some efforts to improve safety measures in Korea, including increased focus on crowd management and multilingual emergency support, many observers question whether these actions are sufficient. Expats should remain aware that systemic changes take time and may not address all safety concerns immediately.

Challenges: Recent incidents suggest gaps in proactive safety measures and a need for more consistent enforcement of safety protocols.
What to Watch: Stay informed about new government initiatives and participate in community discussions to share insights on public safety.

Ultimately, personal vigilance and preparedness remain crucial
while authorities work to address broader systemic issues.

8. Final Tips for Expats

Stay Connected: Join expat groups on Facebook or Meetup for safety updates.
Download Apps: Install the Emergency Ready App and familiarize yourself with its features.
Consider a Korean SIM Card: Long-term residents should get a local SIM to receive direct emergency alerts.
Be Informed: Subscribe to local news and follow embassy social media accounts.

Korea is Safe, But Preparation is Key

Despite challenges, Korea remains a safe and welcoming country. By understanding the safety landscape and taking proactive steps, expats can navigate emergencies with confidence and enjoy their time in this dynamic country.